CAFE2U BLOG

Terry Hills local and Cerebral Palsy sufferer Daniel Clarke is a 17-year-old young man whose obvious day-to-day challenges haven’t inhibited his lust for life nor caring spirit. A tireless worker for charity, he and his brother have raised over $700,000 to save the orangutans. They have published a book and been given the new Pride of Australia award. Daniel has been recognised by US President Barrack Obama for his conservation efforts and been visited at home by former Prime Minister John Howard as a result of his fundraising efforts for the Australian Orangutan Project to save the Orangutans.

But even the most determined campaigners need a helping hand sometimes – particularly those with a debilitating condition like Daniel's.

Daniel Clarke decided to contact A Current Affair himself requesting help with funds for a new walker and possibly to widen walls in their family home. In the letter received by A Current Affair, Daniel had stated that this kind of letter usually saw him requesting funds for orangutans, but this time round he was actually asking for financial help for himself … a very touching moment.

This week Daniel was given that help courtesy of A Current Affair. What he got was the biggest surprise renovation ever performed by ACA. A three-month renovation jammed into a one-week period was a big ask, but one that was delivered.

An incredible 55 businesses and suppliers chipped in their time, materials and labour to contribute to the cause. Numbered among those was Michael Dolahenty, owner of Cafe2U Cromer-Dee Why, who kindly offered his time and many coffees to the workers during this great event.

"Like all of the suppliers it is something I felt moved to be involved in. It was an incredibly rewarding experience," Mr. Dolahenty said.

Michael turned up at the site of the Clarke family Rescue Renovation every morning to ensure that the team had their early morning coffee fix to get them through the day.

“Daniel’s home is two stories and he hasn’t been able to get his wheelchair up the stairs. It makes home life very difficult for him and the family. This project will enhance their lives. I am very happy I could play my small part and give these great builders and tradesman a coffee boost when they needed it.”

On Friday the 7th of March Tamworth’s major FM Radio Station 92.9 (http://fm929.net/) held a fundraiser – “Dollar Day Drought Relief” - where all proceeds generated went towards the local farmers and their families struggling in the prolonged drought currently experienced in the area.

In short, for the “Dollar Day” campaign 92.9 were asking everyone in Tamworth to donate just 1 dollar to the initiative. In keeping with the "dollar" theme, Steve Mccarthy, owner of Cafe2U Tamworth, NSW pledged that on Friday, his busiest day by far, he would donate a dollar from every coffee sold to this outstanding initiative.

Pictured below is Steve from Cafe2U Tamworth, NSW handing cash to the value of $342 to Lisa Ashcroft, the General Manager 92.9 FM.

This total raised was as a result of the combined efforts of a $1 donation for every cup of coffee sold by Steve, a $100 donation from one Steve’s customers and several small donations from others.

Steve who services 92.9 FM Radio on a regular basis was listening to the station on Friday morning as they were interviewing some of the affected farmers. “What these people are going through is heartbreaking.Some are in dire situations, whilst some have even taken or attempted to take their own lives. Such is the helplessness.” states Steve, who was only too happy to be a part of raising funds for this great caused for those affected in his local community. After all, every dollar counts!

Chris Psathas from Cafe2U Penrith has featured in the December edition of the RFSA Newsletter on the back of his generous efforts to serve members of the RFSA during the fires in October and November this year. As part of its support of Members during the fires in October and November, the RFSA organised for mobile cafe vans to service some of the main staging areas.

Photo: Chris Psathas from Cafe2U who operated a mobile coffee van at the Penrith staging area (Sugar with that?) catches a few zzzzs. Maybe he needs some of his own caffeine now?

Vans operated at Penrith, Lithgow, Mittagong and the Hawkesbury region and this initiative was drunk up and cherished by many appreciative Members. See what they had to say below:

Scott Burrus:I was a firefighter and loved having the van there to help me recharge and have some normality in my life in the base camp.

Scott Jones:Great to see the RFSA supporting the vollos even more! This is what it is all about. Well done verybody at RFSA HQ!

Sasha Baer: We certainly have been enjoying the coffee in Mittagong. Thank You!

Dan Harris:Thanks for being there, was a good coffee and hot chocolate.

Paul Godwin:Totally awesome, it’s the small things that help. Coffee at 5am and hot chocolate before bed go a long way. Thank you for making this happen! From your Qld friends.

Matt Bullock:...coming off a night shift as I was driving into UWS on my first day I can honestly say it was a great way to relax before bed. Well done guys. A very simple idea that went down fantastically with the crews. Keep up the great ideas.

Roberta Colbran: Thank you RFSA, the Cafe2U was a very welcome intrusion to the day for a lot of us during Hawkesbury’s ongoing Section 44s.